The uncertainty surrounding Erik ten Hag’s future makes his job at Manchester United more difficult, however, the Dutchman believes he still has time to win over new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
There has been constant speculation about managerial candidates – such as Roberto De Zerbi and Gareth Southgate – and none of those reportedly admired by Ineos Sport group appear to be better managers than the man we’ve currently got in the hot seat.
Ten Hag is under pressure to end the season strongly but he can only achieve that by qualifying for next season’s Champions League or winning the FA Cup. United were knocked out of the Champions League and Carabao Cup in the earlier rounds, but Ten Hag’s side can still end the season with smiles on their faces.
Despite doubts about Ten Hag’s future, ESPN claims the Dutchman remains convinced that a final decision has not yet been made and that he still has time to earn the full backing of Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford.
Rob Dawson reports: “Ten Hag has been fully involved in planning for the summer transfer window but, according to sources, Brailsford has also been monitoring other candidates for the job in the event that a change of manager is required.”
Other managers have been suggested such as Graham Potter, Thomas Frank, Thomas Tuchel, Zinedine Zidane, Ruben Amorim and Julian Nagelsmann.
The report also suggests that Ratcliffe is determined to be as ambitious as possible with his appointments to key positions and official approaches for candidates like Ange Postecoglu have not been ruled out.
Ineos must take into account that Ten Hag has been let down by an off-field structure which has not been fit for pursue. We could see a big turn around if he had a better working environment and backing from a sporting director.
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